The game: Spectacle in the first period, suspense in the second
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Inevitably, spaces have become less rare: the seven tries registered in the meeting, in addition to the many aborted opportunities, testify to this. The second half was just as intense, albeit a little more choppy, as the Scots gradually came back into the game. But the tension born of the return to the score of XV du Chardon, and the stubbornness of the French at the siren to snatch the offensive bonus, gave this meeting a nice outcome.
The players: Fickou as boss, Dupont and Ntamack are present
Expected at the turn after his imperfect copy in Dublin, the Toulouse hinge showed the way from the 4th minute when Antoine Dupont sent Romain Ntamack into the Scottish in-goal to put the Blues in front of the score. The number 9 was also very good in defense, like his spoon on Finn Russell in the 52nd minute. Gaël Fickou, elected man of the match and author of the bonus test at the very end of the match, was also excellent.
On the Scottish side, Finn Russell once again showed genius in this Tournament on several offensives, and was precise on foot. But his badly felt skipped pass, intercepted by Thomas Ramos (18th), cost the XV du Thistle very dearly. Huw Jones, author of a double, also distinguished himself.
The action: Jalibert at the intox to snatch the bonus
78th minute, the Blues lead by four points and benefit from a penalty. They have just recovered the ball on a big challenge from Romain Taofifenua. The offensive bonus is within range. Mathieu Jalibert is about to send the ball into touch, to afford a last cartridge. But the Bordelais plays quickly and turns to launch Gaëtan Barlot. 10 seconds later, Gaël Fickou flattens and offers the bonus to the Blues. A daring choice, and paying off.
The statement by Gaël Fickou (via France TV):
Possibly Scotland’s best team to ever exist
At the state’: 19/20
This is the nineteenth victory in the last twenty meetings of the XV of France at home. The only match lost? Facing Scotland, during the 2021 Tournament.
The question: Has Haouas said goodbye to the World Cup?
His expulsion could be the last in Blue for a while. Reiterating his huge mistake from 6 Nations 2020 as he made his return to the starting lineup – even if this time around the prop is not sanctioned for losing his temper but for a dangerous move – Mohamed Haouas may have be mortgaged his chances of seeing the World Cup in France. First, because he makes the worst copy possible by receiving a new red card, even before having been able to shine.
But also, because his substitute Sipili Falatea showed himself in a very good light. The Bordeaux pillar weighed offensively, dominated his opponent in scrum and once again showed that he was a reliable player behind Uini Atonio. This match could therefore well seal the fate of Haouas in selection, eight months before the World Cup.
Mohamed Haouas expelled in the 12th minute from France-Scotland, February 26, 2023
Credit: Getty Images
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